10 Physical Activities to Get the Brain Reading for Testing Research has shown that there are positive benefits for the brain from physical activity including academic achievement on test scores. With common core and state tests coming up, here are 10 physical activity suggestions to get the brain ready for testing or for brain breaks […]
Did you know that reading is associated with movement activities? Some research indicates that higher levels of physical activity and lower levels of sedentary time are associated with better brain structures and functions in children. With more and more classrooms under the pressures of state testing, academic time becomes a priority and students can be […]
Hand washing is important at any time of the year. During cold and flu season, it is even more important. Working in schools, we all know that they are breeding grounds for germs and dirty hands. The best way to prevent spreading germs and to stay healthy is to teach children proper hand washing techniques. […]
Research tells us that youth with Down Syndrome exhibit deficits in gross motor skills, fundamental motor skills, balance and postural control. A recent study examined using exercises for Down Syndrome therapy activities to improve balance skills. Types of Balance Balance can be assessed in different ways: static and dynamic or a combination of them both. […]
This fun and playful spring visual discrimination and visual motor activity is ready to print and play. You can download it for free at the bottom of the post. Visual discrimination skills are the ability to determine differences and similarities between objects to help us to understand and interpret the environment around us. Visual motor skills, otherwise […]
Here are 10 ideas for April to celebrate OT month 2020. If you have no time to prepare anything just print out a few signs and hang them up in your school or practice. You can download FREE OT Month signs here. 10 Fun Ideas to Celebrate OT Month 2020 1. Host the Occupational Therapy […]
Do you struggle to find the words to use when you are writing documentation terms for special education, occupational therapy or physical therapy reports? If you follow my blog or website, you know I love the words “facilitate”, “promote” and “encourage”. When documenting therapy sessions I tend to overuse the words “completed” and “accomplished”. […]
Visual spatial processing skills that involve fine motor skills and integrating motor information are very important to develop during the early childhood years. Previous research tells us that early fine motor skills are significantly associated with later achievement. Current research wanted to answer the question how early visual spatial processing skills and fine motor coordination […]
Recent research explored occupational therapy in the school setting and how it can help with academics, learning and participation. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy completed a systemic research review on the topic. The goal of the research was to determine the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions to improve academic participation of children and youth […]
Have you ever used a poke picture to practice fine motor skills and concentration? It is a frequent activity in Montessori classrooms to work on strengthening the fingers and attention to task. Young children seem to enjoy working on the poke pictures. This freebie is a twist on the traditional poke picture. It is a […]